Gardenıng therapy
Patients at the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit have been enjoying weekly gardening groups , thanks to your support .
The groups are a fantastic way to help them move forwards , both physically and psychologically , in their journey towards going home .
Ray has been at the rehab unit , which is based in Kennington , for four weeks following a long stay of over six months at St Thomas ’ Hospital .
Ray ’ s left leg has been amputated to below the knee and his time at the unit is to help him prepare for having an artificial limb – also called a prosthesis . Once he has it and is able to function well , he can go home .
Ray has been to the gardening group a number of times during his stay . The group is held in the lovely outdoor grounds of the unit , and is a chance for patients to get away from the ward and gym , and spend time outside .
‘ I like coming to the gardening group , I find it interesting ,’ says Ray . ‘ I don ’ t mind what I do here ; it just keeps your mind going , it really does . And they ’ re a very nice lot of people .’
The weekly gardening group is run by Rehabilitation Assistant , Joe Scoble . He sees huge benefits for patients ’ recovery , both psychologically and physically .
‘ Often people have had their confidence knocked ,’ says Joe . ‘ A group like this shows them that they can do things practically and starts to help them see what they can manage when they go home .
‘ To be able to have the extra funding for stuff like this is a real luxury . The group really helps the patients , and it ’ s something that we wouldn ’ t be able to do without donations .’
8